Accessibility at Cologne Cathedral

Getting onto the plaza

The cathedral sits on a raised stone plateau. The step-free way up is Domgässchen, the narrow lane on the north side — opposite Roncalliplatz. Once you are on the plateau, ask a steward (Domschweizer) for the side door if the west steps look like the only way in.

Köln Hauptbahnhof is level with much of the surrounding pavement. From the station hall you can reach the north side without crossing the main flight of west stairs.

Interior

The tourist interior is step-free once you are through the accessible door. Floors are stone and can be uneven after rain when people track water in. The inner choir is screened; you see the shrine from the ambulatory, which is also level.

A tourist interior ticket is still required for sightseeing. Reduced and companion rules are set by the official ticket shop, not by this guide.

Treasury

The Treasury (Schatzkammer) is described by the cathedral as wheelchair accessible. It is a separate ticket and a separate door. Last entry is earlier than closing. See Treasury hours and tickets.

Tower — not accessible

The public climb is 533 spiral steps in the south tower. There is no elevator and no alternative route to the 97 m platform. The cathedral states clearly that the climb is not open to visitors with walking impairments. If anyone in your group cannot do stairs, skip the tower ticket and keep the interior or Treasury.

More on the climb itself: tower climb guide.

Vision, hearing and tactile models

• Assistance dogs and walking aids are allowed inside.
• A bronze tactile model of the cathedral stands in front of the Petersportal on the west front, with Braille and raised lettering on the base. It is outdoors and free.
• The cathedral works with a relief book (Barbara Schock-Werner, Verlag Kölner Dom) so visitors who are blind can follow the plan by touch. Buy it through the cathedral publisher, not through this site.
• WDR hosts a 360° walk-through if a physical visit is not possible.
• Licensed group tours for blind and visually impaired visitors are booked through the official tour desk, usually in German. Prices and group sizes sit on the cathedral accessibility page.